INDA Releases New Global Spunlaced Report

CARY, N.C. — March 26, 2012 — Global production of spunlaced nonwovens grew an average of 9.5% for
the past five years to a total of 819,000 tons in 2011, according to a recently released report —
“Global Spunlaced Technology Markets and Trends – 2011-2016” — from INDA, Association of the
Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. The report projects that the spunlaced market, whose largest markets are
NAFTA (Canada, Mexico and the United States), Europe and China, will continue to grow at an average
rate of 8.2% a year through 2016.

The Global Spunlaced Technology Markets and Trends report provides an in-depth look at the
history and future of spunlaced technology, key end-uses and an overview of the global spunlaced
market, including a breakout of capacity by world regions. Also included are charts and figures
detailing global production capacities and end-uses in major world markets.

Among the other findings of the INDA report:

* The three major producing regions for spunlaced technology — NAFTA, Europe and China — are
forecasted to grow at a rate of 7.7% per year over the five-year period.

* The largest end-uses for spunlaced nonwoven substrate materials are wipes. Other end-uses
include surgical gowns and surgical patient drapes, and substrates for coating and laminating,
industrial apparel and filtration media.

* There are approximately 150 spunlaced producers operating more than 260 production lines
worldwide.

* INDA projects that the number of spunlaced lines will continue to increase globally. The
key markets of NAFTA, Europe and China will expand, but significant growth is also forecasted in
the developing markets of the Middle East and South America.

The cost for the “Global Spunlaced Technology Markets and Trends – 2011-2016” is $1,995 for
INDA members and $2,795 for non-members.  For more information or to purchase the report,
contact Helena Lee, hlee@inda.org, Phone: (919) 233-1210 ext. 120.

INDA is the leading global association of the nonwoven fabrics industry. Since 1968, INDA has
provided a variety of industry focused networking events to help members increase sales and market
share. INDA is the nonwoven industry’s premier source for market leading education, global
forecasts, testing standards and trend reports which provide members the information and knowledge
to better plan and execute their business. Through its on-the-ground efforts in Washington DC, INDA
provides members a strong voice within government on topics that affect the nonwovens industry. For
more information visit www.inda.org.  

Posted on March 27, 2012

Source: INDA

Naturally Advanced Technologies Expands Production Capacity With Additional Third-Party Manufacturing Agreement

VICTORIA, B.C. and PORTLAND, Ore. — March 26, 2012 — Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (“NAT” or
the “Company”) (TSXV: NAT) (OTCBB: NADVF), which produces and markets CRAiLAR(r), a natural fiber
made from flax and other bast fibers, announced it has partnered with Barnhardt Manufacturing
Company to further expand its manufacturing capacity. The agreement calls for Barnhardt to execute
the CRAiLAR enzymatic process exclusively for NAT, and expands upon manufacturing plans announced
earlier this month.

Founded in 1929, Charlotte, N.C.-based Barnhardt is a global supplier of cotton for medical,
health and beauty aids, and nonwoven fabrics. It currently supplies processed fiber to companies
that demand similar standards to those of NAT’s global brand partners, and this third-party
manufacturing agreement gives NAT the ability to scale to demand from existing and future partners.
Barnhardt will commence production for NAT in Q2 2012.

“The advances we have made in the CRAiLAR enzymatic process over the past year, which opened
the option of third-party manufacturing, means we can significantly expand our production capacity
going forward without the infrastructure costs of building fully executed company-owned
facilities,” said Ken Barker, CEO of NAT. “With more than 80 years in the business Barnhardt
emerged as an ideal partner to continue our capacity expansion as we expect demand to rapidly
increase through the balance of 2012.”

Announced in March, NAT embarked on a yearlong evaluation and optimization of its CRAiLAR
technology, which led to a 40 percent reduction in its enzymatic process time. The immediate
benefit was increased production capacity at its own facility. The advancements also allowed NAT to
evaluate third-party manufacturing partners for that process, further increasing overall production
volume and accelerating the growth of its flagship product, CRAiLAR Flax fiber. Its initial
third-party manufacturing agreement was announced earlier this month with Tintoria Piana, which has
U.S. operations in Cartersville, Georgia.

NAT will establish its first full-scale facility in Pamplico, S.C., where flax is grown
nearby as a winter crop. The company today supplies its CRAiLAR Flax to HanesBrands,
Georgia-Pacific, and Brilliant Global Knitwear for commercial use, and to Levi Strauss & Co.,
Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, and Target for evaluation and development.

Posted on March 27, 2012

Source: NAT

CTR And SMART Form Partnership To Promote Clothing Recycling In The U.S. With SustainU

BEL AIR, Md. — March 21, 2012 — The Council for Textile Recycling (CTR) and The Secondary Materials
and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) today announce a new partnership with SustainU, a
Morgantown, W. Va.-based company that makes high quality apparel in the U.S. using only fabrics
made from 100% recycled materials. CTR and SMART are proud to be an official sponsor for SustainU’s
oneShirt Challenge that promotes clothing recycling on college campuses during Earth Week, April 16
– 22, 2012.

The oneShirt Challenge is the nation’s largest collegiate clothing drive. Together, SMART and
SustainU encourage students on college and university campuses to participate in the oneShirt
Challenge by organizing a community clothing drive to benefit local charities and to raise
awareness about the benefits of textile recycling.

“This is a very exciting partnership for SMART,” says Association Executive Director, Jackie
King. “Our goal is to get people to think of clothing recycling as they already do paper, plastic,
and aluminum recycling. Taking our message to college campuses is a win-win-win for SMART,
SustainU, and the environment.”

At the end of the Challenge, each school will weigh the clothing it has collected and the
school with the highest total will be declared the “Big Shirt on Campus.” The students won’t just
be competing to see which campus collects the most clothing; they are also competing for tickets to
the 2012 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Bonnaroo has committed to providing the group from the
winning campus with 24 4-day passes to the 2012 Festival to be held in Manchester, TN June 7-10.
Bonnaroo is another sponsor of the oneShirt Challenge along with MobileU, an Earth Day network
initiative.

Students on college campuses in all 50 states are expected to participate in this year’s
oneShirt Challenge. Now in its second year, the oneShirt Challenge included students from nearly
100 schools in 2011. This year’s goal is to have more than 200 colleges and universities
participating.Many people do not realize that donated textiles not only reduce the waste stream to
our landfills, but also support job training programs,” said Rich Goodstone, Bonnaroo Partner.
“Because apparel is such an integral and meaningful part of the festival experience, we want to do
all we can to encourage sustainable practices.”

Chris Yura, CEO and Founder of SustainU and organizer of the oneShirt Challenge says, “We are
very happy to partner with CTR and SMART, the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival as well as
MobilizeU and Earth Day Network. Each of these organizations has demonstrated their commitment to
make the world a better place. With our new connection to MobilizeU, each of our participating
schools can now simultaneously be part of A Billion Acts of Green® during the week of Earth Day.”

According to CTR and SMART, more than 21 billion pounds of clothing and textiles that could
be recycled are put into the nation’s landfills and incinerators every year. “When clothing is
recycled, more than 95% of the materials can processed by our member companies,” says King. “As
long as the clothing is clean and dry, even if it is ripped or stained, it can be recycled.”

Campus groups, clubs or departments interested in joining the oneShirt can visit:
www.SustainUclothing.com/oneShirt or contact Tiffany Newcomb at 304-413-416. Registration ends on
Friday, March 23, 2012.

SustainU produces high quality apparel using fabrics made from 100% recycled materials that
are manufactured in the USA to provide extraordinary comfort and wear, while reducing environmental
waste, carbon emissions and water use. Our mission is to change the way clothes are made to improve
the environment, reinvigorate America’s manufacturing sector, and educate the world about how
clothing can positively impact people’s lives. For more information about SustainU, visit their
website at: SustainUclothing.com

The oneShirt National Collegiate Clothing Challenge is a SustainU initiative aimed at raising
awareness about the social, environmental and economic benefits of textile recycling. Student
groups from more than 200 colleges and universities in all 50 states organize clothing drives to
benefit local charities and textile recycling programs. In 2011, more than 16 tons of clothing was
collected and donated.

SustainU is a clothing company that produces high quality apparel using fabrics made in the
USA from 100% recycled materials to provide extraordinary comfort and wear, while reducing
environmental waste, carbon emissions and water use. For more information about the oneShirt
National Collegiate Clothing Challenge visit: www.SustainUclothing.com/oneShirt.

MobilizeU is an international competition between colleges and universities that encourages
students to engage their campus communities in four weeks of environmental activism surrounding
Earth Day 2012 (March 29 – April 29). Over the month-long competition, students will mobilize their
campuses to generate as many “acts of green” as possible, through activities such as registering
new voters, collecting personal act-of-green pledges, leading community clean-ups, and organizing
major Earth Day events, as well as amplifying environmental initiatives that their schools are
already working on. For more information visit the MobileU website at: www.EarthDay.org/MobilizeU.

Set on 700 acres in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo is a four-day festival that draws 80,000 fans
every summer. Featuring over 120 musical performances, along with comedy, cinema, sustainability
workshops and more, the grounds are converted into a virtual city of music and art. The legendary
event began in 2002 as a remarkable idea to serve a passionate fanbase, and ended up becoming the
premier multi-day concert destination of the summer which dynamic and eclectic programming paved
the way for the age of the great American music festival. Bonnaroo has now evolved into becoming
much more than just a concert destination; it has become a cultural touchstone and, for two
generations of music fans, a rite of passage. Bonnaroo has served as a launching pad for such
popular artists as Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Robert Randolph, My
Morning Jacket, Ray Lamontagne, Matisyahu, and many others. A creative and cultural mega-success,
Bonnaroo has featured a staggeringly diverse range of world-class acts such as Bob Dylan,
Metallica, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Radiohead, Jay-Z,
Phish, Eminem, Willie Nelson, The Police, Pearl Jam, David Byrne, Tom Petty, The Black Keys, Tool,
Wilco, The Dave Matthews Band, James Brown, The White Stripes, Al Green, Arcade Fire, Nine Inch
Nails, The Dead, Mumford & Sons, Widespread Panic, Death Cab For Cutie, Elvis Costello, Ornette
Coleman, Amadou and Mariam, Beck, TV on the Radio, Against Me!, Merle Haggard, Florence & The
Machine, Phoenix, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Bright Eyes, Bonnie Raitt, Lil’ Wayne, Steve Earle,
Jurassic 5, Modest Mouse, The Mars Volta, Deerhunter, Common, Burning Spear, the Flaming Lips,
among many others. The website for Bonnarroo is: www.Bonnarroo.com.

For more information on the CTR and SMART or to find clothing recyclers in your area, visit
www.WearDonateRecycle.org and  www.SMARTasn.org. To view informational videos about items that
can be recycled and how clothing is processed by some textile recyclers, visit the SMART video
website at: http://www.smartasn.org/about/videos.cfm.

Posted on March 27, 2012

Source: SMART

Paying Chinese Businesses In Dollars Instead Of Chinese Yuan Costs American Businesses $2.4 Billion In 2011

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — February 27, 2012 — Western Union Business Solutions, a business unit of the
Western Union Company, a leader in global payment services, today announced results of a survey of
Chinese companies which found that by settling transactions with Chinese exporters in U.S. dollars
(USD) instead of Chinese yuan (CNY) American businesses paid approximately $2.4 billion in fees to
account for foreign exchange risk.
[1] <#_ftn1>   

“The U.S. is the number one export destination for companies based in China,” said Alfred
Nader, Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Development at Western Union Business Solutions.
“To date, the vast majority of transactions between companies based in the U.S. and China have been
settled in U.S. dollars.  It is time to take a step back and evaluate to what extent it makes
sense for American companies to continue to pay Chinese exporters in something other than their
preferred local currency.”

Western Union Business Solutions’ survey of more than 1,000 Chinese companies who are able to
settle merchandise exports in CNY (known as mainland designated enterprises, or MDEs) reveals a
desire in China to receive payments in their home currency.  The results show that more than
one third (36%) would prefer to be paid in CNY, with over 20% naming exporter convenience and
reduced foreign exchange risk as the main drivers for that preference. 

Despite this appetite, however, 42% of those who would prefer to receive payments in CNY
never ask their overseas trading partners to pay in yuan due to perceived buyer reluctance. 
Companies in China largely attributed this reluctance to inconvenience (33%) and the seemingly
difficult process experienced by partners in obtaining CNY for payment purposes (20%).

To account for the foreign exchange risk associated with settling in currencies other than
CNY, one in five companies surveyed said they add fees of, on average, 3% of the total transaction
cost.

“Chinese exporters would prefer that their trading partners pay in yuan, but most are afraid
to ask because they think they will be rebuffed,” said Mr. Nader.  “There are easy and
inexpensive ways for companies in the U.S. to settle transactions without using USD, which could
generate increased goodwill and loyalty among their Chinese trading partners, not to mention cut
the cost of doing business.”

Another key finding of the survey is that companies in the U.S. are seen as far more
unwilling to settle in CNY than those based in Europe.  In fact, the U.S. was named as the
most reluctant market (42%) with Europe (23%) and South East Asia (13%) placing second and third.
Japan (8%) and Australia (2%) were seen as the least reluctant. 

“Importers that are flexible and savvy in their approach to cross-border payments will find
themselves well-placed to compete in today’s global marketplace,” added Mr. Nader.  “Adapting
to the ongoing liberalization of the CNY is especially significant when one considers the growth
opportunities that exist for companies that do business with China. The goodwill and supplier
loyalty that would be created by American companies who offer to pay in yuan present a real
opportunity for them to gain a competitive advantage when trading with the world’s second largest
economy.”



[1] <#_ftnref1>  Western Union Business Solutions’ research found that one in five
Chinese exporters added an average of three per cent in fees or surcharges to account for FX risk
associated with receiving $USD payments. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau figures for 2011, there
was $399 billion worth of merchandise imports from China into the United States. On this basis the
value of FX related fees charged by Chinese exporters is approximately $2.4 billion, or three per
cent of the value of one-fifth of the United States’ total imports from China.

Posted on March 21, 2012

Source: Western Union Business Solutions

TenCate Geosynthetics, AGT International Team For Dike Monitoring Project In China

The Netherlands-based TenCate Geosynthetics — a developer of solutions and systems for
transportation infrastructure, water management and cleaning, and environmental applications — and
Switzerland-based AGT International — a developer of solutions for infrastructure and border
protection, urban management, cyber security, transportation, law enforcement, and natural disaster
preparedness applications — have agreed to partner to install a TenCate GeoDetect® monitoring
system in a dike body at the Yellow River in China’s Henan province.

The system, which comprises a geotextile with interwoven fiber optics that record changes in
a dike or embankment, will be used in the AGT Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which will collect
and evaluate data related to dike stability, dike deformations and flooding risk. Using those
analyses, operators will be able to take steps as quickly as possible to prevent dike failure or
sagging. In addition, FEWS can conduct a flood prognosis and thus enable timely evacuation if
required, and can monitor and report on the dike’s condition and stability.”

Our solution collects real-time information from new and existing systems to generate a
real-time assessment of the river conditions,” said Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje-Nassau, head of
AGT International in the Netherlands. “Our advanced prediction and simulation software will
generate alerts and recommendations to affected areas. Another key element for the full realization
and success of the project is our commitment to turning key project findings into shared learning
opportunities.”

For the Yellow River project, AGT International is collaborating with the Netherlands-based
R&D organization TNO Operations, which develops knowledge for practical applications for a
variety of industrial and government entities. The project was commissioned by the Yellow River
Conservancy Commission, which handles water issues for the entire 5,000-kilometer-long river.



March 20, 2012

Timzo Tufting Selects NedGraphics’ ITex Application

NedSense NedGraphics BV — a developer of software solutions for the fashion and textile industry,
and a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based NedSense enterprises NV — reports it has supplied its
iTex virtual sampling application to the Netherlands-based Timzo Tufting Industry BV, a
manufacturer of loop pile tufted wall-to-wall carpet.

NedGraphics’ iTex application employs unique virtual sampling technology that replaces real
fabric samples with virtual samples in a comprehensive database. The company reports the tool is
especially useful for salespersons in the carpet and weaving industries, as it enables them to
present to their clients an instant virtual sample of a product and/or collection on an iPad and
offers a low-cost, lightweight method of carrying a full up-to-date portfolio.

iTex technology allows on-site colorway adjustments for any type of design or fabric
including prints, knits, wovens, and wall and floor coverings. Salespersons can categorize virtual
samples and create concise reports comprising pictures and product information to help their
clients make decisions. iTex also enables creation of custom samples, and NedGraphics offers a
guarantee that the product will correspond exactly to the virtual sample.

“With iTex we can offer our clients an experience which is instant, to their choice and real
to the eye,” said Jan Bakker, head of product development, Timzo Tufting. “Moreover this solution
increases our internal efficiency by saving us costs and time as this simulation element speeds up
our sales process in true dialogue with our customers.”

March 20, 2012

Teijin Aramid Pioneers In Protection Technology For Optical Fiber Cables

ARNHEM, The Netherlands — March 19, 2012 — Teijin Aramid announces a new and improved way of
protecting optical fiber cables: Twaron Tape. Optical fiber cables play an increasing essential
role in today’s telecommunications, and their fragile cores need protection from various hazards
and strains.

Optical fiber cables are getting smaller and smaller — and at the same time it becomes more
difficult to protect the optical fiber core. Twaron Tape is an aramid fiber matrix construction
that enables the production of optical fiber cables with a diameter as small as 1.2mm.
Simultaneously, it provides three to five times better crush resistance compared to currently used
aramid fiber protection.

The production of thinner cables using Twaron Tape results into several more advantages
compared to current solutions. For example, the production of 1.2mm cables translates into an
increased capacity for optical distribution frames of 30-50% (compared with 1.6mm cable).
Furthermore, the thinner cables demand less cooling power, thereby cutting costs — and emissions —
at distribution centers.

Twaron Tape D2800 is a robust and flexible patented solution that contributes to increased
cable production speed, saving valuable time. Twaron’s flexibility enables quicker and more
convenient installation and handling, with easier stripping and connectorization of optical fiber
cables. The Tape consists of a single, spread Twaron yarn which is impregnated and fixed with a
matrix material. This results in significant saving in space and enables optical fiber cables to be
this thin. In order to provide complete coverage and optimal force and crush resistance, it is
evenly wrapped around the core of the optical fiber cable.

Christoph Hahn, Commercial Director at Teijin Aramid: “We are one of the early pioneers of
reinforcement technology for fiber-optic cables, and as this market has developed, we have gained
an in-depth understanding of the market requirements. We are proud to contribute to this industry
by offering our knowledge in high performance aramid fibers to our worldwide partners.”

Teijin Aramid experts will be present at Wire Düsseldorf 2012, booth 9C37, to show Twaron
Tape and discuss with visitors how they could benefit from the added value of this new product.

Posted on March 20, 2012

Source: Teijin Aramid

DyStar And RedElec Start Sustainable Indigo Dyeing

Singapore — March 19, 2012 — DyStar and RedElec are pleased to announce a significant development
collaboration which focuses on sustainable Indigo dyeing for the denim industry.

Increasing global awareness of environmental issues created by the textile supply chain is
propelling Brands, Retailers and their Industry partners to look for sustainable solutions for
their businesses.

To help address those pressing needs, the DyStar Denim team in Germany and RedElec
Technologie in Switzerland have decided to join forces to develop electrochemical dyeing of Indigo,
a sustainable solution that will eliminate harmful substances in dyeing and waste water. The team
will use its patented products, DyStar Indigo® Vat 40% Solution and RedElec’s electrochemical
technologies, throughout the development process.

“As a leader in ecology & environment in the textile industry and technology leader for
Indigo, our customers expect us to develop new products and processes that help reduces their
environmental impact,” said Thorsten Hüls, Marketing Manager Denim in Ludwigshafen. “The
cooperation with RedElec is a big step forward to help improve the environmental profile of Indigo
dyeing,” added Günther Widler, Technology Manager Denim.

With the collaboration, RedElec is given opportunities to explore and further develop its new
and promising electrochemical technologies for clean processes. “In the near future,
electrochemical processing will become the new and essential technology to limit the negative
impacts of industrial activities”, said Dr. Crettenand, Director of RedElec. 

The initiative further affirms DyStar’s sustainability and econfidence® commitments to the
textile industry — to offer sustainable solutions through environmentally & ecologically
friendly products, process and services — a “sure-to-win” strategy which will also help its
customers stay ahead of  competitors.

Posted on March 20, 2012

Source: DyStar

Teijin Introduces Twaron® 550f1000

Teijin Aramid BV, the Netherlands, reports its Twaron 550f1000 aramid yarn offers improved
ballistic protection in body armor for police, military and law enforcement officers.

According to the company, the new yarn, which comprises 1,000 filaments and is the
finest-filament aramid-based yarn available, has the highest tenacity combined with breaking
strength of all the yarns in its porfolio — offering improved resistance to the blast effects of
roadside bombs, good fragment resistance, and enhanced bullet protection. The yarn will be used
primarily in soft antiballistic products for the police, military and law enforcement markets; but
may also be used in a woven fabric for antiballistic and anti-stab products.

“This new yarn is our response to the demand for lightweight ballistic protection, which
itself is the result of the increasing threat of violence in society,” said Karl Henke, business
manager, Ballistic, Teijin Aramid. “Police officers, soldiers and even private citizens who require
protection will start wearing a bulletproof vest earlier when the weight and comfort is even better
than nowadays.”

March/April 2012

Södra Begins Textile Pulp Production

Södra — an economic association comprising more than 51,000 forest owners in Sweden and having
production activities in the areas of wood products for construction and interiors, wood pulp, and
energy — is now producing hardwood-based textile pulp at one of its pulp mills, and expects to
produce 170,000 metric tons of textile pulp annually once that operation reaches full capacity.

Södra has been producing wood pulp for reinforcement and paper applications since the late
1950s. In December 2010, it decided to invest in textile pulp production, and has been implementing
the investment and developing a marketing organization to serve the textile segment. The textile
pulp, derived from hardwoods such as birch and aspen, will be supplied to viscose fiber
manufacturers.

“We are focusing on textile pulp as this is a growing market to which we can supply a
certified, renewable forest raw material,” said Gunilla Saltin, president, Södra Cell.

The company also plans to expand textile pulp production to an additional pulp line that is
producing paper pulp at one of its other mills.

March/April 2012

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